Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
Itching to get out of LA? But stay off of a plane? There are plenty of driveable locales that are perfect for a quick trip!
1 -2 Hour Drive/Ferry Ride
Via Google
Catalina Island
A short 50-minute ferry ride and you’re in Catalina. Take an early ferry on Catalina Express so that you have all day to explore! Some leave as early as 7 am! Grab breakfast at Catalina Coffee and Cookie Co. Before setting off to explore. Hiking here is extremely popular or grab a golf cart and explore the island With tons of activities, you’ll want to spend the whole weekend here. Take an inland tour to spot a buffalo, go zip lining through the canyons, or have a rent a lounge chair and have a cocktail at Descanso Beach Club. Hungry? Check out the burger at Luau Larry’s, or lobster at Lobster Trap.
Temecula, CA
Yes, I’m putting yet another wine-centric town on this list. 90 minutes southwest of Los Angele, Temecula has over 40 wineries. I highly recommend booking a wine through Temecula Limo Wine Tasting. Not only will you have a driver you will receive discounted tasting tickets! If wine isn’t your thing there are plenty of trails and bike lanes or check out the antiquing in Old Town' Temecula. Every Saturday from 8 am - 12:30 there is also a Farmers Market in Old Town Temecula with over 70 vendors selling everything from baked goods, fruit, crafts, and more! Be sure to check out Goat and Vine a personal favorite.
Santa Barbara, CA
An hour and a half outside of LA is the beautiful Santa Barbara. Relax at the beach or stroll down State Street where you will discover many different restaurants, retail stores, antique stores, and art galleries. Stay at the glamorous Hotel California which boasts some of the best views in SB. Check out this wine + cupcake pairing tour for a sweet treat and the opportunity to visit some wineries! Other activities include the Santa Barbara Zoo, Lotusland (a stunning botanical garden), and all the water activities you could imagine! Check out food recs here.
Ojai, CA
Ojai is definitely one of my favorite places on the list. While Ojai is known for wellness (think yoga and spa treatments there’s something for everyone. Before setting off for the day have breakfast at Bonnie’s Lu’s or grab a coffee at Beacon Coffee. Explore the town and do a bit of shopping - make sure you don’t miss Bart’s Books. For lunch, I would HIGHLY recommend The Nest before heading for a glass at Tipple & Ramble. This little stop is an Instagramers dream trust me. Not interested in wine tasting? Check out the Ojai Lavender Fields. For a luxurious weekend stay at the Ojai Valley Inn and book yourself a day of spa treatments. For a more rustic and unique experience stay at Caravan Outpost for the opportunity to stay in an airstream! They also have free bikes for you to use!
Via Tipple & Ramble IG
Palm Springs, CA
Only 100 miles or a two-hour drive from Los Angles, Palm springs has always been a popular desert getaway. Perfect for a getaway Palm springs has plenty of resorts, with golf courses and tennis. Not your thing? That’s ok they also boast the largest collection of mid-century modern buildings, as well as an art museum, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For food check out Cheeky’s for breakfast but make sure you get there early as it’s extremely popular. My favorite for dinner is definitely Rooster and the Pig for delicious Vietnamese food For more on how to spend a weekend in Palm Springs check out my guide The Best Way to Spend 48 hours in Palm Springs.
Joshua Tree, CA
Joshua Tree is the perfect place for people looking to escape the city and explore the desert. Joshua Tree National Park has over 1000 square miles of desert, there is plenty to explore. The town of Joshua Tree has a collection of hippie stores, natural healers, and roadside diners. Make sure to check out Pappy and Harriet’s bar and restaurant. Dine at Crossroads Cafe, Pie for the People, Natural Sisters, and La Copine. For more info on what to do in Joshua Tree check out my everything, you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree article and for accommodations check out my unique Airbnb article here.
2 -3 Hour Drive
Solvang, CA
Solvang offers a piece of Denmark without stepping on a plane! Start by wandering the streets of this small town. If you arrive in the morning be sure to grab a Danish pastry for breakfast at The Solvang Bakery or for a bigger breakfast head to Paula’s Pancake House. After you explore be sure to stop in for a drink at the High Roller Tiki Lounge. Looking for other food recommendations? Check out the Cophenhagen Sausage Garden and First & Oak. Be sure to check out OstrichLand USA for the opportunity to feed the giant Ostrich!
Los Alamos, CA
Less than three hours Los Alamos has become a foodie destination. Stay at the Skyview Motel a modern boutique hotel based off of a 1950s motel. Los Alamos has everything some deli sandwiches to dim sum and you can go wrong at dim Sama located in Babi’s Beer Emporium or stop in at Bell’s for delicious French food. When on vacation do some wine tasting right? Check out Casa Dumetz for a bright and friendly space, and a flight of 6 wines for only $30! Spend the day antiquing at The Depot Mall, The Gentleman Farmer, and Sister’s Gift and Home.
Via Skyview Motel Website
3-5 Hour Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA
Located in Central California San Luis Obispo or SLO has been voted one of the Happiest Places in America. There are a ton of wineries as well as breweries to stop in and check out on the main street. SLO also has its own gum wall (I can’t decide if I love or hate this). There are also tons of small boutiques in downtown SLO. Be sure to grab a tri-tip sandwich at Old San Luis BBQ or Firestone Grill. SLO is extremely close to world-class wine as well, go for a tasting in either the Edna Valley or Paso Robles. Be sure to check out the nearby Madonna Inn (if you plan in advance you might even be able to score a room there)
Tijuana, Mexico
Looking to cross the border for a weekend adventure? Two and a half hours from Los Angeles is Tijuana. Pack your passport and prepare yourself for delicious street tacos, and cheap drinks! The best move is to park your car in a garage in San Diego and take an Uber to the border and walk across. Visit Avenida Revolución - the famous tourist street. My favorite spot to grab a drink or some food is the Telefonica Gastro Park which has both indoor and outdoor food stalls and bar areas. Track down Oso Campo’s Tras Horizonte for street culture food with a pro’s touch. Also, did you know that the Caesar salad was created in Tijuana? Check out Caesar’s Restaurant to try the original Many of Tijuana’s best bars, restaurants, and shops are on this street. For more on what to do in Tijuana check out my guide on Baja California here.
Rosarito, Mexico
15 minutes past Tijuana is Rosarito. The Rosarito Beach Hotel is an iconic property and the area’s original beach resort. Stroll down Blvd. Benito Juarez-The main downtown area in Rosarito is located on Blvd. Benito Juárez. Take a stroll down this lively street and you’ll find all sorts of great restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, and galleries. Bonus: Visit Popotla a small fishing village not even 5 miles south of Rosarito. Take a drive down there to enjoy a delicious seafood meal overlooking the ocean. If you go in the morning you can grab fish from one of the fishermen and have one of the beachside restaurants will cook it for you!
Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico
Four hours from Los Angeles is one of my favorite weekend getaways. Visiting Valle De Guadalupe or better known as Mexico’s Napa. Be sure to stop at Bura Bar at Cuatros Cuatros For Sunset Drinks-Who doesn’t love a good sunset? Make a reservation here as it is extremely popular. Also, hire a guide or tour so you don’t need to rent a car. I personally recommend Club Tengo Hambre, it’s like going wine tasting with a group of strangers turned friends (and you don’t have to drive). They take you to a variety of wineries from small family-owned to larger vineyards. If you are looking for unique accommodations? stay in a bubble at the Campera Hotel.
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